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Passages for reading. Read them out aloud. Paraphrase or précis them. Discuss them with friends. Does anything surprise or impress you? How does the author work your feelings? Would you use his words? How would you direct the scene in a movie — and who would your stars be?

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On This Day

Sunday September 8 ns August 26 os

For Church feasts falling on September 8 in the New Style calendar, see The Feast of Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Finding of the Kursk icon.

August 26, 1395 os

Meeting of the ‘Vladimir’ Icon (1)

The Theotokos of Vladimir

It is one of the world’s most recognisable works of art, and a symbol of God’s blessing on all Christian Rus’.

September 8, 1380

The Battle of Kulikovo (1)

Dmitri of the Don

Grand Duke Dmitri of Moscow loosened the grip of the Tartar Horde on the people of Russia, but treachery robbed him of triumph.

by Lucy Cazalet 1870-1956

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International Relations

A Credit to His Country

The diplomat’s task is to see the best in other peoples, not to scold them for their failings.

by François de Callières 1645-1717

Lives of the Saints

The Synod of Whitby

In 664, a council at Whitby decided to align the traditions of the Northumbrian Church with those of Rome and Constantinople.

by John Richard Green 1837-1883

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Myths and Legends

The Ugly Duckling

A misfit duckling grew up with rejection as a way of life.

based on a fable by Hans Christian Andersen 1805-1875

International Relations

The Supreme Indignity

Lord Salisbury tells his fellow statesmen that no country should have its laws dictated from abroad.

by Robert Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury 1830-1903

Character and Conduct

Joseph Boruwlaski

William Burdon gives us a character sketch of his friend the ‘Count’, who did not let his small stature cramp his style or narrow his mind.

by William Burdon 1764–1818

Discovery and Invention

Sunspots and Wheat Prices

William Herschel showed that variations in the brightness of the sun were causing climate change, but hardly anyone believed him.

by James Sime 1843-1895

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Selected Authors

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William Ewart Gladstone

The Din of Diplomacy

George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax

Dominion and Liberty

Sir Walter Scott

Wild Goose Chase

Frederick Douglass

Douglass’s Debt

A. G. Gardiner

The Letter of the Law

Samuel Smiles

Character and Learning

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Selected Topics

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The British Constitution

Passages examining Britain’s sometimes baffling constitutional monarchy, and telling the story of its enemies, its champions, and its reformers.

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Sport and Sportsmen

Stories from the world of cricket, football and other sports, and the men and women who have played them.

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Extracts from Fiction

Romance, adventure and comedy from the very best fiction writers, including Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, John Buchan, and many more.

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Free Speech and Conscience

Passages defending the right and obligation of every citizen to judge whatever is good and true, and to talk back to those who govern him.

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Animal Stories

Fables and true tales about animals, including a dog who regularly commuted to Matlock, a horse who didn’t approve of bad language, and a cat who saved her owners from an earthquake.

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Liberty and Prosperity

Stories from Britain and elsewhere confirming the social and economic benefits of keeping Governments and their cronies out of the trade and business of ordinary people.

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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature